Bolton will pass under Coyle - Wenger

16 January 2010 01:11

The Arsenal manager takes his side to the Reebok Stadium on Sunday with captain Cesc Fabregas back in midfield to supply the fluency and imagination which was lacking in a home draw against Everton last weekend.

Coyle, who took charge of Bolton earlier this week, has been fulsome in his admiration of Arsenal's pretty football in the past and admits it was something he tried to emulate while at Burnley.

Wenger expects Coyle's side, renowned for their battering-ram style of play under Sam Allardyce and Gary Megson, to play their way out of relegation trouble.

Wenger said: "Every manager has his own style and he can only be good with his own style. That's why I believe they (Bolton) will change.

"Owen Coyle has done extremely well and I expect him to do well at Bolton.

"Any team is awkward (to play) in the league at the moment. Every team is highly motivated against us. We are used to that. But if we play at our best we can win whatever happens to Bolton."

As well as Fabregas, Arsenal also welcome back full-back Gael Clichy who will supply width and pace on the left side.

Wenger said: "I do not want to go overboard with Gael because he has been out for a long time but he looks very sharp in training."

However, Sol Campbell, who has been handed a six-month contract to relaunch his career in north London, will have to wait for his first-team return, having played only 45 minutes of a reserve match in the last four months.

Wenger is confident Campbell can have a major influence on Arsenal during his second spell with the club.

The former England centre-back's move was confirmed this morning, and Wenger said: "He is a hugely experienced and intelligent footballer, who will bring a great amount of quality and knowledge to our squad. Sol as a player and a person will be an enormous asset to us.

"Sol has been training with us since September and during this time he has shown he still has the required fitness, hunger and passion to compete at the top level."

Campbell said: "I'm so happy to be rejoining Arsenal. I have many great memories from being here before and still have many friends at the club. I've been working very hard at the Arsenal training ground, I feel really good at the moment and I'm ready to give my all. We're in a strong position and I want to help Arsenal be successful this season."

Meanwhile there is an optimism about Wenger which suggests he believes the injuries are healing - Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner should also return within the fortnight - at just the right time.

He is quick to praise those such as teenager Aaron Ramsey who have stepped in to lift the side to within three points of leaders Chelsea at the top of the table.

Wenger said: "Aaron Ramsey is really stepping up at the moment.

"He is taking his chance, but we have to remember he is only just 19 and there is still a lot more to come from him.

"I set a target of about 15 or 20 starts this season and he will reach that. He is very down to earth and that is one of his strengths.

"One of the qualities of a top level sportsman is someone who tries to analyse where he can improve and Aaron has that. He does not get carried away."

Wenger has no doubts that his youngsters can cope with a fixture programme which throws up Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool over the next month in a Premier League which is the most competitive it has ever been, as well as a tricky trip to Stoke in the FA Cup.

He said: "When you play at the top after January every game becomes a decider and I believe we can handle that. The league is very tight and very open. Fighting to go down it's very tight and for the top four it's very tight."

Full-back Bacary Sagna emphasised the feelgood factor, adding: "Everyone here is going for the same thing and there is plenty of competition in midfield now with Abou (Diaby) and Aaron (Ramsey) on great form too.

"It makes everyone feel very positive about themselves and that leads to a great team spirit, which is one of our strengths at the moment."